HPA Issues Advisory on Poor Air Quality, Urges Public to Take Precautions

MV+ News Desk | February 12, 2025
Photo: MV+

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to take precautionary measures when going outdoors due to poor air quality.

In a post on X yesterday, the HPA highlighted the importance of monitoring air quality levels, which can be checked via a link provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment or through the IQAIR Visual mobile application.

The agency has issued specific guidelines on actions to take depending on the severity of the air quality. For example, if air quality reaches a level classified as yellow, the HPA advises sensitive individuals to avoid outdoor activities, as they may experience respiratory issues. Those who must go outdoors are encouraged to wear N95 or similar masks. Additionally, it is recommended to keep doors and windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes and to use air purifiers indoors.

If air quality reaches level orange, both the general public and sensitive individuals may experience irritation and respiratory discomfort. At level red, there is an increased risk of negative health effects, particularly concerning the heart and lungs.

Recent records show a significant decline in air quality across the Maldives. For instance, air quality measurements from the Maldives National University (MNU) Centre for Maritime Studies in Vilimale’ indicated a reading of 159 on the air quality index for the Male’ area on Monday, categorising it as level red. Currently, according to IQAir, the air quality in Male’ is rated at 62, which is considered level yellow.

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